Video of ‘amalayer’ lady goes viral

MANILA, Philippines—An amateur video of an irate train commuter yelling at a lady guard over the passenger’s failure to follow security procedures has gone viral on social networking sites.

The woman, who was later identified on social media as Paula Salvosa, went ballistic at the LRT Santolan Station Tuesday after she failed to put her bag on the conveyor of the X-ray machine for security check, LRTA officer-in-charge Engineer Emerson Benitez said.

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Salvosa, who according to netizens auditioned for the MYX VJ search at least twice but was rejected, “somehow missed the procedure and hurriedly entered the station,” said Benitez.

The video also showed Salvosa demanding an apology from Lady Guard Sharon Mae Casinas and appeared to be repeating what the guard could have said: “Sorry po. Sorry.” Then went on to lecture the Casinas on how to properly say it: “If I say sorry, I say, “Sorry ate, sorry. Tanggap mo ‘yon? (Do you accept that?)”

Salvosa was complaining about the way she was allegedly treated by Casinas.

And while the guard was explaining, which was inaudible in the video, Salvosa said in a loud voice: “So now you’re making me look like a liar. So I’m, a liar? So you’re telling me I’m a liar? I’m a liar? I’m a liar?”

Then she shouted: “I’m a liar? Answer me!”

The incident earned the ire of netizens.

The term “amalayer”, which was derived from the phrase “I’m a liar” that Salvosa kept on shouting at Casinas, quickly sparked debates online with some people poking fun at Salvosa’s actions.

Even celebrities like Maxene Magalona reacted over Twitter, saying that there can be no basis for anyone to be that disrespectful. Others however commented that the guard could have done something that offended the passenger.

But Benitez said Casinas “displayed the right attitude expected of a security guard, that is, to be courteous and tolerant in spite of the embarrassment she got from the irate passenger.”

He said investigation conducted by the LRTA indicated that Casinas only stopped Salvosa from entering the station without having her bag inspected.

Benitez pointed out that it was Casinas’ duty to prevent passengers who have not been subjected to inspection from entering the train station because of their “no inspection, no entry” policy.

“It is inevitable that during the implementation of security measures, passengers encounter inconveniences. They should understand that the [LRTA] cannot compromise the safety and security of the riding public,” said Benitez.

He said that the LRT personnel were trained to “refrain from making side comments and facial expressions that may be offensive to our passengers” but added that Casinas had offered her apology if she offended Salvosa.

Benitez also urged LRT passengers to cooperate with their security personnel during security inspection procedures as these steps were being done to ensure safety during their trips.

He said feedback may be sent to their Public Relations Division through email, phone calls or text messages to: